Hey Jill! Thanks for the questions. They tuck the string under the center area where all the strings intersect. You have to hold it for a round or two, but after that it naturally knots. You need to make sure that the two strings that come from the #5 are counted as one..you go over them or under them, but not through them. They kind of bunch together and it isn't much of an issue after a couple trips around the circle. I do not warp the looms for the kids. It pretty much takes them a class time to do it. But I think it is a good experience. I make them mark them 1-11 first(and I check to make sure they are evenly spaced..which is key!!!). Then I have the formula posted on the board. I go through it medium speed showing them how to warp it. Then I undo it and go slow. After that...I let them go for it. Usually several children get it..and I let them be peer tutors.

Thank you for posting the lesson! You have a great site. Where did you find the cardboard circles? Have you ever tried a paper plate (maybe too flimsy?)? Also, do the kids cut slits in the circle to hold the warping yarn?

The cardboard circles can be found in most art supply catalogs. Sometime they are called crafting circles. I purchased mine through Sax...but have gotten them in Dick Blick and other art suppliers. I have tried "paper plates"...not a good idea!!! Unless you are going to warp them all for the kids. Now...Chinette(sp?) works pretty good...they are much much thicker than regular plates. Price isn't terrible...but if you can find the cardboard circles..GET THOSE!!!!

Thanks for the idea of the circle weaving. How do you know how much yarn to start with for the warping the circle? Does the back of the loom look the same as the front of the loom? Do you need to tie off the end when you are done warping? Do you just warp with yarn?Kathy

Hi. I stumbled upon this page from Mrs. Jahnig's site on Circle Weaving. I have not ever woven anything in my life but am intrigued by this project. I have gotten to setting up my cardboard loom, but have no idea how to start weaving. I do not understand what all those numbers mean. Do they go under over, under over, round and round in one direction? What do you mean by 1-6, 6-7, and so on? Could you please be so kind and explain this to me step by step? I surely do feel as if I am a complete idiot and wonder why 3rd graders can do this but not I. Thanks.

I am trying to make this circle weave and I don't understand the instructions. I have never woven anything before and am an absolute beginner. What does all the numbers mean? Do I take my yarn starting from number 1, and then go under all the other numbered yarns to number 6? Or do I go over all the strands directly to number 6? Then from number 6, go straight to number 7, but going under or over? Could you direct me to step by step? I really am just a beginner. I am 13 years old.

I was wondering how far you continue with the weaving on the circular looms. It looks like eventually, the loom strings are spaced too far apart to be effective anymore.

I have an idea. While I like the decorated detail on the cardboard as a finisher, perhaps the students could unhook the strings from the cardboard loom and tie them or add a string of beads, sort of like octopus legs. I bet they would make interesting table art, or fun fliers with the weighted beaded strings. Maybe table spinners? Kids like to play, right?

I am going to try this with my fourth graders. I am excited, but I have a question...what info do you include in your lesson about the actual weaving? I mean, what culture do you relate it back to? I know basketry would be easy, but the circle theme...I'm lost! :O The only thing I could think of were mandalas, but those aren't woven...are they? SO lost!

Dear Anonymous...you can relate them back to any culture really. I think you just stick with weaving as the big idea...circle weaving is just a sub group of weaving. Now you can take it toward basket weaving...if you do the cut cup method of circle weaving....hmmm..that's a thought.